The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-10-27
HUGH'S PROMISE.
How a Great Sacrifice Brought a
Great Reward.

up garrett" asked Hugh Elliott, enter
ing the Kitchen where his mother was
at WORK, a small, covered basket in
his hand.
YES; it is of no use to me. But /
hope you ere not going TO cage a wild
bird. Hugh. Il will be sure to die"
"But this is a wild canary, mother,
4 regular beauty, and had such hard
work to catch it! l want to keep it
until the fair next week, and then try
TO sell it,
Il fear it will die of neglect long be-
fore next week, my son. You remenl-
Der the fate of your rabbits?''
Hugh's cheeks flushed holly. The
memory of those rabbits was very pain
full to him.
That was more than a year ago,
mother. l am old enough now. hope,
TO know how to take care OF things.
/ promise you this bird shan't want
for anything, and l may get a good
price for him during fair week"
Very well; you can take the cage,
and l will give You one more trial
Hugh ran off to the garnet at once,
and five minutes later the canary,
looking very unhappy, was hopping
about in a gilt cage which had lately
been the home of tame predecessor.
Hugh took it out and hung it in the
Toulouse, provided it with seed and
water, and then ran off to help his
father in the farm yard. He was nail
ing loose board on the cattle shed
when he heard the rattle OF wheels on
the road, and, looking up, saw his un-
Gle, William Nelson, who lived IN the
thriving town Of Seaford, twenty miles
away, stopping his horses at the front
gate. Hugh was very fond of his I'M
Gle, and ran at once to open the gate
for him.
You're just the person l wanted to
see, Hugh" said Mr.. Nelson, as he
drove in, and Hugh sprang into the
back of the wagon to Il seat beside
him. Il had to 20 10 Barclay on bust
ness yesterday, and the boys told me l
must come this road on my way home,
and carry YOU Off to spend Halls birth
day. You know he will be sixteen day
after tomorrow, and they are to have
a glorious time celebrating the event.
There is to be picnic ut Crews Pond,
and all sorts of fun. All my change
for week past has gone to buy fire
works. Hal said to tell you he
wouldn't half enjoy the day if you were
not there"
80, l feel sure father will let me CO."
cried Hugh, his face fairly beaming with
delight. I'VE are not very busy now,
and he can spare me as well as not"
Il would ask TO take your brother,
too" said Mr.. Nelson. but l know
your father could not let you both go,
and you are nearer Halls age than
Ralph is"
Mrs. Elliott came to the kitchen
door to ring the bell fer dinner just as
the wagon entered the farm-yard, and
while Ralph put up the horses and fed
them, Mr.. Nelson went into the house
and told of the invitation he had
brought Hugh. No difficulty was
made about letting the boy go. and as
soon as dinner was over Hugh rushed
up stairs to put on his best suit; and
half an hour later was driving down
the broad country road with his uncle,
his mind so fnll of the pleasures in
store for MIN. that not one thought of
the little prisoner confined in the tool
house found room to enter.
Seaford, the town in which his I'M
Gle lived, was reached just before dusk,
and Hugh received warm welcome
from his cousins, with whom he was a
great favorite; and he was quickly
made acquainted with the plans for
Thursdays celebration.
1--WE must get the fishing tackle
ready the first thing in the morning."
Hal said, rs at ten o clock he and Hugh
were getting ready for bed. land then
we'll practice for the target match on
Thursday. When father bought az
rows for us he bought some for you,
too; and believe you'll get the prize,
Hugh, you were always such a good
shot. I'm awfully glad you came"
1T was very kind in uncle to stop for
me, answered Hugh, land it was all
tie better for being surprise. l had
forgotten ali about your birthday"
The next morning dawned clear and
bright, and as soon rs the fishing tackle
was put in order, Hal got out the bows
and arrows, and took a little wooden
plate from his sisters dollhouse for a
target.
you run to the Toulouse for ham
1ner and a nail, Hugh" he said. land
We'll fasten this to the old elm"
Hugh made one eager step forward,
then paused, and over his face came a
look of such CONSERVATION and dismay
that Hal stared at him in amazement
Whats the matter?" he asked.
80, Hal. must go home; / must go
home at once" answered Hugh.
when You spoke of the Toulouse
remembered that have wild canary
shut up in our Toulouse at home, and
unless l go back at once it will starve
TO death.
.Let it starve. then, said Hal. ':Yor